Good evening all.
I HAVE MOVED web hosting locations
After long consideration I have moved my blog site.  I started this last blog August or there abouts and didn't think it would be as successful as it has been.
I realize not a lot of traffic has come to my blog, but frankly there has been more than I expected. I have had things to say and have found the platform to say them.
The opportunity came up to move to a web platform that will allow me to expand on what is written and what is published.
This new platform   canbikebc.bluguru.org  Chuck's cycling corner

This will allow me to post more pictures along with short videos, and yes if that sounds like the start of what will work into a web site, then I suspect you would be right.

This site was very good for me to start with, but now I understand a little more and want to add more.  This is the reason I am moving

Please take this opportunity to accept my personal invitation to follow me over to
  canbikebc.bluguru.org  Chuck's cycling corner

Thanks for reading, I hope to see and hear from you at the new site, again that's
      canbikebc.bluguru.org   Chuck's cycling corner

Thanks for stopping by
  Safe Ride Home

Chuck

Concepts, Confidence and Beliefs

I believe these words are closer as a working team than some may think. Confidence comes in believing you can do what has been asked of you in the concept being taught.

And once you understand the concept and try it, then get through it, the confidence starts to build. As the confidence builds the task slowly gets easier which builds the confidence.

And once you have the confidence that you can complete the concept, and then the circle has completed.

That may be deeper than a lowly cyclist and person with a Police background is allowed to go, but when both halves of the circle come together, then like Pipe Major Terry LEE used to say “It’s a beautiful Thing".

Cycling skills follows that same paradigm. 

We start cyclists out with the basics, slow speed skills based on balance and slow movements. Riding a straight line, then going around cones in a straight line to a more challenging slalom course.

We emphasize" the head is up, the back is straight". The students aren't totally sure why but try it just the same. They ride around trying these skills and once the concepts are recognized we move onto the next set, but continue to go back to those basics.

You can see the confidence start to build as we slowly add more cycling skills/ concepts.  When you explain that with the head up and back straight, the weight comes off the hands which allows the cyclist to do hand signals much easier than they had done so previously. That is when the light starts to dawn, and you can see it in their faces, they are starting "to get it".

As instructors it's our job to teach/ mentor/ encourage those we are working with. Once we show the concept, then convince them they can indeed to it, and we instill the confidence, then we have over half of the process successfully completed !!

We as instructors can go onto the next set of skills knowing those we are working with believe in us and are starting to believe in themselves.

We add the hand signals, they come through with no problem.  Then we add playing with gears and how to hold onto the handle bars, and how to let go with the knowledge they aren't going to crash - the circle comes closer to completing.

We then add the Figure 8 drill, and the parking stall drill. We show why the Head up-Back straight becomes even more important and how to use that knowledge to complete both these drills. They flip between those two and see the concept.  This leads into the rock dodge which leads into riding the planks.

To say total encouragement by the instructors is flying about, along with laughing and positive thoughts would be an understatement.

Words like “I always knew you could that, I just had to convince you”. Words like “I Believe!”, are very common, it almost sounds like a revival with high fives to all those trying, doing and succeeding.

They have grasped the concept, and are gaining the confidence, then add the positive banter, then you have a winning compilation and a very positive environment.

The circle completes.

We add the threshold braking, standing ready to catch. But more over as each person comes through positive words on how well they have done and how they can reach out to do even better.  Now their confidence is propelling them.

They believe because we have told them We believe, and know they are actually doing, so know they believe.  The circle is complete.

We put in the T Turn, our variation of the quick turn/emergency turn, that was taken out of the curriculum a number of years ago.

CAN-BIKE took the emergency turn out because it was thought to dangerous for beginners.

I use the T Turn variation, or also called the “decision maker”. I set up a wall of cones and a funnel of cones down to the wall for the riders to ride down the funnel and make the decision which way they will turn. The rider is instructed they must turn 90 degrees at minimum, straight out or even better back the way they came.

 As they approach the wall the rider must tell the instructor which way they will turn. It is done slowly enough for the rider to think through the concept, and the “What If, What If”. We also go over the other skills that have been shown/taught during the session and how they put it all together.

We have been in the parking lot for almost two hours, but it doesn't feel like it.

Each rider comes down with their head up, their back straight, weight off their hands, so the bike turns far more easily and gets around the corner, either right or left, the way they said they would. Once their confidence has built to a point and a few successful passes have been made, then the Instructor will stand behind the wall and point which way the rider will go. The rider has to be prepared to go left or right, thinking What If, and how will I make the turn they ask of me.

They have put together the concepts and are telling us which way they will turn, and go there, their confidence has jumped yet again.

The smiles from those doing the skills, which has now become as much a play on your bike session exudes with laughter, smiles and confidence in new concepts and skills tried and completed, and the confidence to try these skills again.

All the cones and planks and rocks and painted lines are no longer obstacles to go around, but objects to use to practice and hone new skills and yes concepts learned.

We have also shown how to build a do-able obstacle course that doesn't cost much money and brings skills, a sense of accomplishment, pride in skills done and yes confidence in themselves and their abilities.

At the end of the session I point out they have just gone through and learned about 20 to 25 new cycling skills.

Then I ask the question - If I had told you this morning when we first met you would have 25 new cycling skills by lunch you would have called me crazy, and they shake their heads and agree. I then tell them that is exactly where they are and they have, and they have had a blast doing and learning them. This time they shake their heads with a smile from ear to ear and a want to go out, practise and show their friends and family and co-riders what they have accomplished.

Concepts, Confidence, and Beliefs.

A day well spent in a parking and we only cycled about 200 meters. A pretty good return for distance into fun into skills/ concepts into confidence.

And for those wondering where the 25 skills are, as I am sure there are those that counted.  Each skill has two sides, left/right or strong side/weak side.

If you don’t think each side is a skill, try getting off your bike from the side you usually do, then try the side you usually don’t, or try riding into and around a regular size (8’6”) parking stall from each side, strong side/weak side and see how you do.

Thanks for stopping by

   Safe Ride Home.

      Chuck

Satisfaction

Today was the first real summer day that we have held a CAN-BIKE course on.  Hot, sunny, about the 25 degrees C, and no wind. This is the kind of day cycling is ment for.

I have a lovely sun burn, cyclists burn- arms from just above the elbow down, the top of my legs and my calves are also tingling, add to that my neck the bottom half of my face not covered by the helmet visor. All in all a good day.

I watched the sun rise as I ran for the ferry to Vancouver Island this morning and I am now watching had sun set as we head back towards the mainland.

Yes, I would say it's been a good day.

The course was a smaller than hoped for class, for the City of Duncan. They are a repeat client so a smaller class is acceptable, we hit the minimum but that was it.

The students left tired, sore, sweaty, and a little burnt, but with smiles as big as all out doors.  They also left with a couple of other things- confidence that they can now ride through their city with confidence in their ability. They also left with a greater understanding of what safe and defensive cycling is about, and how to look out and play the "what if" game.

They are better riders and in turn they will be better drivers because they have a new perspective on road usage.

Their employer is now able to allow them to ride as part of their jobs, if the jobs allow for it. They have more than 20 new skills to work with and practice which will further give them riding confidence.

One fellow said he rode out to the University of  Victoria, down MacKenzie but pulled off when the bike lane stopped.  He said now he can see how to finish that ride.

All the students came over and not only shook my hand saying thank-you but pumped my hand with excitement from the day. Like I said smiles from ear to ear.

Ya, I'm tired and spent, and it's all worth it. And I feel good knowing I have accomplished something today. I assisted others to reach farther with their cycling potential and feel better about themselves.

An incredible BC sunset over the ocean. These are what make BC the incredible place it is, and makes me blessed that I am able to live back here again.

Tomorrow myself and Kelyn are in South Surrey/White Rock doing it again for another group, another returning client.

The weather tomorrow is supposed to the same as today, or better. A sunscreen day for sure.

I can't change the world but I can work within my little piece of it to try to make it better and by giving back.

I am tired, a little sore and sun burnt... and I feel good. A day well spent and looking forward to tomorrow.

Ya, it has been a good day.

Thanks for stopping by,

     Safe ride home

Chuck

And then there is paper work

I have found that teaching the bike courses is the fun part of the whole operation, just behind the preparing the material to be used.  The material is the CAN-BIKE course curriculum, but presented as I wish to see it presented.  I will be the first one to tell you that I have a unique perspective on the curriculum.  I know what the curriculum is, I know what should also be presented, and I sit on the curriculum committee.  I get to figure out what could work, then try it out and see if the ideas will work out.  Then will they work out for someone else, and then will they work out in other parts of the Country.

I would be liar if I said that I didn’t think about the material and how to present it, then how to improve it, regularly.

It has to do with what the end outcome will be/must be, and what level is being taught.  Different levels, different expectations.

This is the lead into the paperwork that must be done if you want to have a successful cycling course.

There are certain things and procedures that must be done.

We have all heard the saying – the job isn’t done until the paperwork is fully completed !!

Well, what are the procedures that should be checked off so you can greet your course candidates?

I guess firstly you need to have students to teach.  The people are really quite important.

Do you have the qualifications to teach the level(s) you say you can?

Do you have students to teach? Have you got a way to advertise?

Have you made arrangements for a place to hold the course?

 What are you going to use to present the in class material? Do you have a lap top computer and a power point projector available?  Is there a plasma TV/monitor you can use? Having said that do you have the cords for the electronic toys you want to use? Do you have extension cords to get from the toys to the wall socket, to show the material?  I carry two extension cords, one to plug everything into, and a second to run out to the wall.

Have you arranged for/purchased third party insurance?

Do you know where to make that purchase?

Do you have some sort of work safe insurance? In BC we require to have WorkSafe coverage for both myself and any employees.

CAN-BIKE has a rule for student/Instructor ratio, which is 5:1, 6 to 12 you require 2 Instructors.

Have you made arrangements for the second Instructor?

Do you have the proper material, such as manuals, pens, water with you?

Do you have a floor pump handy?, that can be brought out for general use by all. Does it have the tip for both styles of bike tube values?

Have you made arrangements for a safe area that is large enough for the size of the group you are teaching?  I like to use the idea of blocking off 150 % area for what I will want.  That way I have a buffer in case a motorist doesn’t see the cones and drives into my area.

Do you have the proper registration forms? How about the liability waiver forms? How about photo waiver forms?

Are bathrooms available for your use throughout the day?

Do you have the cones, safety vests, rocks (rock dodge) and all other things that you will use for the course?

Have you scoped out a course for the ride you want the students to be taken on? Does that course cover the teaching points you want covered?

Have you prepared the Certificates? Do you have a baseline Certificate to work from?  Does it include the logo of the group you are teaching?  Did you get permission to use the Logo?  Remember Copyright applies, both for the group you are teaching and CAN-BIKE !!!

I use Microsoft Publisher program to make up my Certificates.

On my Certificates I use as a header Cycling CANADA’s Maple Leaf/Cyclist, on one side I use the National CAN-BIKE Logo along with my company Logo.  On the other side I use the Logo of the group I am teaching for (if allowed), or else I will leave that side blank.

Do you have the proper weight paper for certificates? I personal use 98 pound, glossy white.  It works well, holds up well, and looks great.  

Finally, do you know who you are going to invoice for the course? And have you made arrangements to send the invoice in?

Why go through all this if you aren’t going to get paid for your efforts !!

I hope you haven’t read this over and thought, Man, this is more complicated than I thought, I am not going to go through all this.  YOU WOULD BE WRONG, this is just the cost of doing business, and it is a good business and gives back to both your community and the cycling community.

It’s ironic, but you will never really know how much good you have done, and the lives you have saved by teaching proper techniques.

The bonus for me is when at the end of the day a student comes over and very warmly shakes your hand and says Thank-you, then adds, I have been riding for a lot of years and I learned things today I didn’t know. 

That is where my heart melts and I know that I have accomplished what I set out to do.  The behind the scenes preparations were all very much worth it !!

Once you have done everything to prepare and are ready, you are much more likely to have a successful course presented.

AND, once done correctly, by the numbers, then the next one and the next and the next are the same and the surprises are less.

Proper paperwork and preparation makes the whole experience, paperwork AND teaching go much easier.  These are the things you can control.

We won’t mention the weather.  We just hope Mother Nature is on our side on the day of the course.

Deal with and prepare for those things you can have input into.

Thanks for stopping by,

   Safe Ride Home.

Chuck

Three Programs, One common Goal

It’s late April and I must apologize for not keeping my word and posting twice a month, as I promised.

I am going to try to do better, as long as life doesn't get in the way.

I got started with this project and plunged forward with great zeal, but as happens, life seems to get in the way of great ideas.  Then there is the full time work thing, that thing that supports our cycling addiction.

The start of the 2014 cycling season has come and as of today, Easter Sunday, I have taught three CAN-BIKE One courses and co-taught the NCCP Community Lets’ Ride/ Basic Cycling Skills course. I have reached the lofty height of 88 cycling courses taught. I am by no means an expert, just a fellow with some knowledge about the subject, and willing to share. And yes get my arce kicked when I make a mistake, which happens more often than I care to admit.

The CAN-BIKE courses are already to go, so doing the preparation for those doesn't take the time that it once did.  I do work at keeping them fresh and interesting for those taking them.

More courses are scheduled for the next few months. I am looking forward to the 100th cycling course, and hoping somebody other than me will notice.

As I mentioned previously in late January/early February I took the League of American Cyclists course – Traffic Skills 101 (TS101).  This was the prerequisite to taking the League Instructors course.

 I did very well on both and am now a trained League Instructor, or LCI, complete with LCI Instructor number.

January, early February was busy because I also completed the NCCP Learning facilitators Course. I did okay, but I have to admit I don’t think I did as well as others thought I did.  I got intimidated by the competitive/racing types on the course, since I am not near as conversant with the completive cycling genre.  I’ll catch up.

I have taken the three main streams of cycling Instructor courses.  I have taught in two of the streams and waiting to teach in the third.  I believe I am now in a basic position, and have the back round knowledge that I can compare to see how the League approaches cycling in comparison to how CAN-BIKE approaches it, compared to how the NCCP approaches it.

Let's be clear, very clear, it is not my intention to say one is better than the other. If you are looking for me to throw rocks, then you will be disappointed.

All three systems have strengths and also have weaknesses.

I like the line the movie reviewer on CKNW radio in Vancouver used, “that’s why Baskin-Robins has 31 flavours, because everyone likes something a little different”.

CAN-BIKE has core skills, as does The League, as does The NCCP.

CAN-BIKE                      League of American Cycling         NCCP Basic Cycling Skills

1. Straight Line Riding        1. Starting/Stopping                      1. Braking- Front/Rear/Combined

2. Signaling                        2. Straight Line/Gears                   2. Straight Line – Wide/Narrow

3. Shoulder Check             3. Scanning                                   3. Tight Turns

4. Slalom                           4. Scan/Signal/Turn                       4. Gearing/Cadence

5. Rock Dodge                  5. Quick Stop                               5. Cornering – Medium Speed

6. Figure 8                         6. Rock Dodge                             6. Mount/Dismount

7. Threshold Braking          7. Avoidance Weave                    7. Bumping/*Buzzing

8. Quick Turn/ E Turn        8. Quick Turn/Instant Turn            8. Front Wheel Lift

                                          9. Mounting/Dismounting              9. Pick-Up/Drop-Off an object

                                                                                             10. Limbo (duck under)

                                                                                                     (OPTIONAL)

                                                                                                      1a. Hill Climb

                                                                                                      2a. Hill Descending

                                                                                                      3a. Riding a Drop off

·         Buzzing – A skill which involves a following rider touching their front tire to the rear tire of a moving leading rider. Named after the noise knobby tire make when they touch at speed.  Used to improve confidence before riding in close quarters with others.

I have listed the basic corner stone skills from the three systems.

As long as I have listed the basic skills from each system correctly, and I believe I have.  Then we can look at all and see that there is a commonality that runs through them.

CAN-BIKE and the League of American Cycling come from the program designed and started by John FORESTER. The creator of Effective Cycling.

The NCCP program appears to have the same basic roots, but theirs also stem from what is required in competitive cycling.

It’s interesting, you can see a common thread that runs through all, in no particular order:

         Starting & Stopping,

         balance,

         turns/avoidance,

         braking,

         straight line riding.

The other commonality is that all three require the rider wear a helmet.

Some things are the same, no matter where, how or what you ride.

  I’m going to refer to the CAN-BIKE Four Core Values I feel sum up and apply here:

 

                  Manoeuverability,   Visibility, 
                                         Predictability,   Communication

Basic skills are the corner stone of safe cycling, no matter where you ride. 

The elite riders ride up and down mountains and across Countries and around tracks. Other riders that commute and/or just ride for fun and enjoyment all started with the same common goals.

    To be safe and have fun.

It’s a life style/choice that keeps us going, it gets us out in the fresh air and we get some exercise.

  And Have Fun !!

Thanks for Stopping By,

      Safe Ride Home.

Chuck

How Do You Spell Design ...

I got started cycling around my neighbourhood in a West coast, Vancouver Island city in British Columbia as a fair weather rider, as a youth.  When I got into my first career, I got into riding which morphed into competing and then into teaching.

 For the most part I have ridden and trained on the roads. I have not been an off road type, but I have tried the basic trail areas in the Delta watershed in Greater Vancouver.   The provided infrastructure hasn’t always been the best place to ride, and cycling infrastructure, when available, wasn't much more of an afterthought. Cycling infrastructure has not been taken seriously until the last few years.

Off road cycling and on road cycling are two different types, but they overlap. The cycling principals are the same.

These terms from the CAN-BIKE program ring true across the cycling spectrum;

Manoeuvrability               Visibility          

     Predictability      Communication

                                                            Or  See  Be Seen  Be Heard  Be Predictable

What brought on this blog entry is a new walkway along the West side (backside) of the Edmonds Skytrain station, in Burnaby BC.     

I am adding the below pictures the pathway I am speaking about.

 

The above pathway goes along the back of the Edmonds Skytrain station. It goes along and takes a very left turn at the fence, and goes up to the rear of the East bound Skytrain platform.

…..  The fence.  The fence blocks off the area under the street. The pathway comes up to the fence then turns about 120 degrees and goes up to the Skytrain emergency exit.

There isn’t any direct indication that the new path is connected to the Skytrain station, and it looks like other portions of the pathways through Burnaby.  If you look at the pathway it appears to be a continuation of the actual pathway that comes into the Edmonds Skytrain area.  There are footings for what appears will likely be lighting.

Now let’s trace our steps backwards down the pathways to the lighted paved pathway along the edge of Central park, from Kingsway Ave to past Patterson Skytrain and MetroTown Skytrain stations.

The pathway along this portion is paved, lit and designated as a separated cycle and pedestrian path.

If you look at the above pictures, this area appears to be paved, getting ready for lighting, and appears to be a separated bike and pedestrian path.

 Further, the Edmonds section has the appearance it couples into the pathways from the Burnaby side, through Edmonds Skytrain station parking lot, off of the path along Rumble and up from the path from 22^nd St Skytrain station, along and past graveyard and the elementary school.

The fence is intact and has in fact been there for several years. It’s only a few blocks from the path, the Central Valley Greenway.  Behind the fencing, is an area blocked off for I can only surmise is to keep the graffiti taggers out.

It is not until you suddenly come upon this fence that you realize the path goes nowhere past the Skytrain station. Because the fence blocks the whole distance opening from side to side.  The cyclist must dismount and walk back around to the greenway belt path.  I hope the cyclists realize the fence is there prior to running head long into it !! They have to turn around and either go back along Griffiths, or out and past the grocery store behind the BC Hydro building.  This leads me to the other half of what I wanted to mention.

As I said earlier road designers/urban planners/engineers, those who design roads, neighbourhoods, cycling tracks, multi-lane roads/highways aren't always cyclists.

 Let’s go back a number of years in British Columbia.  In South Surrey along a number of roads the engineers were told that they were to add bike lanes on the existing roads surfaces.  They weren't to spend any more money, since they had none to spend to build/rebuild the roads or expand the surfaces to add a separated bike lane. I suspect   the road people weren't real sure what they were supposed to add, or exactly where they were supposed to add them.

They did what they were told, and added a marked (painted) biking area along the edge of the traveled road lane.  This bike lane ran along the edge of the road, okay so far not as large problem.  This is where the conventional wisdom has the bike lanes running even today.

Now, let’s add the twist.  We come up to the area where the road meets another road, and the turn bay which was designed into the road moves to where a turn bay is supposed to go.  Yes, the straight through bike lane continues along the outside edge of the road, a stops where the solid road lines goes with the road surface.

The cycling lane is expected to continue but there is nothing marked on the road.  Further the bike lane going with the road lane puts the cyclist way out of position and into a dangerous spot.  The cyclist now has to cross the turn lane, and then into the path of the crossing vehicles in the intersection, and deal with the vehicles that are going straight through.

Road have gotten somewhat better, in some places this situation was corrected, but in a number of places it wasn't.

The road construction people tried to point this cycling error out but those complaints fell on deaf ears.

As I mentioned the brainiacs saw some of the problems but didn’t little about it.

It was these type pf situations that assisted the rise of cycling zealots and their voices of how the designs were screwed up, and they were right.  They pointed out the facts and what could be done to correct the problem, and again they were close to what could work for both sides.

 - 96^th Ave and King George Blvd, on King George Blvd.

NOTE 1:  The bike lane goes South on the West side of the right turn lane and crosses the right turn lane.

NOTE 2: The left turn bay/lane extends back a long distance, a rider must cross two lanes of traffic and the goard to turn 

This brings me back to where I started, cycling where it is safe.  I mentioned the path to nowhere and how it was constructed by, well we just don’t know.

When you are riding you need to check out your route or routes prior to using them.  Maps are great and can be dated but may be out of date.  GPS is great but it sometimes has flaws in the program.  Try looking up Georgia Street, then Georgia Straight.  They sound very similar and if you have two thumbs like me, then you might make a typo, and see what you get.  On the Canadian prairies many of the cities and towns have a “Central Avenue or Street” and a “Railway Avenue”.  The Canadian prairie towns  were built by and around the great push West of the railway, so they builders named the towns and the roads in the towns.  I am told that the names of the new places were on a list of names that when they got to the bottom of the list they started again, so the name likely appeared more than once along the same railway line.

 I know some of you are wondering about names and building of maritime towns and cities.  I understand they  were built from the beach and central dock out, and no I have no idea how some of those places were names.

This brings us back to our opening line… How do you spell design….

There are many many factors that go into cycling infrastructure and design. Some that make sense, and then some that make absolutely no sense at all.

 Please take a minute to think it through and then take a breath.  We know the designers don’t normally ride, so they build what appears to make sense to them, and yes at times the world can look wonderful through rose coloured spectacles.

Find the route(s) that works best for you and where you are wanting to be.

 The most direct may not be the best route, or the safest route.  There may be a road/street/avenue/bike path that gets you where you want to be and is safer. It might be a little out of your way, but if it is quicker or the same distance and or time then it only makes sense.

Part of safe and defensive cycling is knowing your limitations and riding within them.

Now the kicker… knowing where the best place to be riding may not be where the designers have planned for you.

 This could mean riding where you are not accustomed to and maybe bend or twist the riding rules/laws.

Best to be right and where it is safe for you and not follow blindly what an anonymous designer thinks is best.

Use your head, use your abilities. When doing this hopefully you won’t have to use your superior defensive skills.

  Thanks for stopping by

      Safe Ride Home,

Chuck

Plans, Preparations, Courses and Combining them all together

The teaching season has started, at least for me here in BC.

Yes it has also been the first time I have taught a bike course with light snow falling.  It does give an ironic humour in saying cycling is an all weather sport, perspective is everything.

I would like to speak about some points that I feel should be considerations with teaching students/clients the concepts that are CAN-BIKE.

These concepts are valid for any teaching. CAN-BIKE, The League of American Cyclists courses, or the NCCP courses, or any course. I use these as I have taken Instructor classes from both of those cycling aspects very recently.

These concepts, are valid when teaching.  There are numerous reading, dissertations and up to and including PhD level writings on the subject.  I have picked out what I have been shown/taught, and what has worked for me.

As Instructors we have to recognize that we have a diverse group that are coming to us with the request to learn to ride better.

The next thing we as Instructors need to recognize is the four ways people learn;

1 By Doing – Many people need to try some activity in order to learn a particular skill.  This is sometimes called Kinesthetic or Tactile Learning

2  By Hearing – There are many who have to hear what they are learning in order to best absorb it.  These people are often called Auditory Learners.

3  By Seeing – Some of us need to use our sight to get a good idea about what they are learning.  This is called Visual Learning.

4  By Thinking – Some people need time to think and understand before they learn.  People that learn this way are often called Cognitive Learners.

We all learn in all four of the ways above, but most people have one or two ways that are more prominent.  If we know how we learn best, it can help us to better and more quickly assimilate new information and develop new skills quicker. In turn how to pass the information we are teaching across to others.

I have learned from the NCCP Facilitator training there are three levels of teaching.  I have also learned as the person who is teaching, we need to recognize how we fit into the grand scheme.  The three key functions are;

Instructor

Guide

Moderator

We learn while teaching where we fit, and then to use the three levels mentioned. 

Each person is different and uses the levels differently, and views the levels differently.

Experience teaches us to recognize when to use the levels and how to make them work the best for the group be taught.  

Once we know how best to present the material then we can present our lessons to achieve the best outcomes.

As an Instructor we need to be aware that we need to teach in ways that everyone can learn, not just those who are closest to our way.

Now once we combine the ways we learn, and the ways we teach and the way others learn with the courses being taught, then the outcome will be better for those taking the course(s).

 Let’s look at the CAN-BIKE course list.

There are a number of different levels of courses that are offered. They are:

Youth Kids CAN-BIKE Festival

Youth Kids CAN-BIKE

CAN-BIKE  Adult learn to ride 01,

CAN-BIKE  Adult learn to ride 02,

CAN-BIKE 01, tailored for youths

CAN-BIKE 01, tailored for adults

CAN-BIKE 01, tailored to Police volunteers and Security officers

CAN-BIKE Freedom for Women  (CAN-BIKE 01 Women Only)

Rural CAN-BIKE

CAN-BIKE 02,

Here in BC I offer:

CAN-BIKE Advanced 

CAN-BIKE Pro courses.

The courses offered depends on the Province you are in.

 *NOTE* Not all courses offered in all places in CANADA.  Please check with the CAN-BIKE office in Ottawa Ontario at www.canbikecanada.ca for further course information.

When you look at the courses offered through the CAN-BIKE program, you discover they cover the spectrum of age, 6 to 80, and ability. I use 80 since I had a gent 80 years young in a CAN-BIKE One class last year, and did very well.

Is it fair to allow a person to take the class if it is above their ability? A rider who gets either hurt or embarrassed isn't likely to continue. We want them to learn, come back and more over have fun.

You should have a plan, okay a basic idea, of how you want the class, and/or portions of the class to go. The goal is to have the teaching objectives successful.

In my particular case, when it comes to the parking lot portion, slow speed skills, I carry a laminated recipe card with all the skills written down/listed. That way I can follow the progression, and keep a track on what I have done, what I need to do and make sure my time line is working out correctly.

My dear wife is a teacher and has taught me how to make sure you are as prepared as you can be. Get your material in order,  get the things you are going to use inside and outside the class ready and on hand.

I carry everything I use in the back of the truck and in places I can reach quickly and easily.

Keeping a class, inside and outside running smoothly and as seamless as possible, is the key.  At the end of the day when those taking the course didn't see any hiccups or disruptions, then you are closer to being successful.

The other thing you want to take into account is who you are going to teach with. Good chemistry is everything. I am blessed that I have a group that I can work and co-teach/team teach with.

To those in that group, and you know who you are, THANK-YOU for your assistance and support.

Not everyone can lead, and in turn not everyone can sit second chair. You need to be comfortable and have the confidence to be in either spot. The success of the students must be the first consideration, after all in all most every case, they are paying you to teach them.

The last thing you want is someone coming up to you at the end of the day and saying they didn’t get their monies worth.

The objective is to be prepared, to be confident in your material and your abilities and those you are team teaching with.

The bonus is someone coming up to you, shaking your hand, and saying Wow, that was great I have been riding for a lot of years and I learned something new today, Thank-you.

Thanks for Stopping,

                    Safe Ride Home.

Chuck